Interview: 3-Star 2020 Nevada DE Gabriel Lopez Talks Washington State Official
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
With football, it takes a team to win consistently and at a high level, and it helps to have a guy like Gabriel Lopez on the team. Lopez is a speed demon off the edge for Desert Pines’ defense stuffing the run and dragging down quarterbacks before they can say one-Mississippi. The 6-3, 235-pound, defender has been relentless in his pursuit of the ball this season against 4A Nevada competition leading to 30 solo tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, and he has batted away a pass. The result is a 10-0 record for the Jaguars and three-star recruiting status with 10 offers for Lopez.
To get inside the helmet of one of the west coast’s top ends, I got a few minutes in with Lopez as he was wrapping up his first official visit, of five potential that can be taken in total, in Pullman.
Interview
Gabriel, with you coming off the edge chasing down the run and pressuring the QB, the Jaguars have been a dominating force on defense this season allowing just 97 total points. What makes that unit so strong?
“All the guys have talent which makes everyone better. We push each. We are all trying to make it out and go D-I. We are all pushing each other to improve.”
What base defense are you in with the Jags?
“We run multiple defensive fronts. We run a 4-3 and a 3-3. It all depends on who we are playing.”
Within the schemes, what are your responsibilities?
“I usually rush the passer and stuff the run. I play the QB if they do options or reads.”
Your speed and quickness off the ball is as good as anyone out there. How did you develop that skill?
“Working in the offseason as a defensive lineman my focus was on strength and explosion. I did a lot of explosive lifts to get me faster off the ball.”
Beyond your speed, what are some of the other moves you are using to get into the backfield?
“I love the strong arm, using my speed and my power – that is a great move. I also use the swim and the rip.”
Every player comes up a challenge each season; what was a big challenge for you this season?
“Good question. I did not have that much of a challenge this season. I would say my best challenge came against Bishop Manogue’s tackle (Joey Wright – USC). All other games this season I was dominating with pressure and sacks.”
How did that challenge against Bishop Manogue make you a better end?
“It made me better. He is the top (2020) offensive tackle in Nevada. It makes me play better because he is talented and challenged me. It is no fun going up against a guy I can beat every time. That served as a good motivator to work harder. I love going up against top guys like that.”
As the season continues, what improvements have you shown in your game so far this season?
“My physical strength. I knew my get-off was good, but I wanted to get stronger to use power moves to show that I am not just a speed rusher.”
With your strength, when you maxed out in the offseason what did you get on bench and squat?
“On bench I got 265 on bench, squat was 405
This season, which game has been your best performance so far?
“The Foothill game (won 33-14).”
Why is that game at the top of your list?
“I had four sacks and 10 tackles.”
Certainly qualifies. A turn to recruiting. Are there any schools still showing interest as we near the early signing period?
“Boise State and West Virginia are showing interest.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Ten.”
Lopez’s Offer Sheet: Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Washington State, and Yale
Which schools have you visited officially and/or unofficially over the last few months?
“I have unofficially visited USC, West Virginia, and UNLV this fall. I took my first official this weekend to Washington State.”
Awesome. How did the Washington State visit go?
“It was great. I am still here now. I fly out in the morning (Monday). I love the small-town vibe here in Pullman. It was great. I got to see a game against Stanford as well (Cougars won 49-22).”
From the time you arrived in Pullman, what all have you done during the visit?
“When we first got here, we came right to the game. We watched the game and then had dinner with the coaches and we took pictures. Today (Sunday), I have been with the coaches all day talking football and getting to know them better and seeing the town.”
Getting to see their defensive scheme in person, what did you think and what do you think of your fit in their defense?
“Their scheme is great. I think I would be great into it. They do a lot of slants and misdirection, which is perfect for me. They are not looking for 260-pound end. They want a quick end and one who can move. That is what I am.”
After this visit, do you have any other planned trips ahead?
“Yes. I have one set up to Fresno on Dec. 14. There will be more, but I have not set them up yet. I am trying to break it down more before making any decisions.”
Understood. When the time comes to make your commitment decision, what does the ideal collegiate fit mean to you?
“The ideal collegiate fit is a defense that likes to rush the passer and in a conference that throws a lot. The Pac-12 may be ideal for me. All the schools in the Pac-12 are passing teams. Six out of 10 times it will be a pass in the Pac-12. That will show my talents to the best of my abilities. At the end of the day, I am a pass rusher.”
Last question, back to football. The team devoured Faith Lutheran 41-17 on Friday. You guys did well, but how did the team look?
“We looked great. The score does not show that they came out fighting and did not give up. We dominated. Penalties, that was big for us all season. Over the first couple of games of the season we were averaging around 15 penalties per game; we only had four or five on Friday. We are getting better each week.”
This week is Canyon Springs (4-6). Of what you know now of the Pioneers, what are you expecting from their offense?
“We get to see Canyon again, then we do not have to worry about the double wing after that. We are excited about that.”
Gabriel, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the team success in the playoffs and further success for you with recruiting.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: youtube.com; No. 44 Gabriel Lopez
Photo credit: Lopez family; Gabriel Lopez at USC (June 2019)